By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
A few weeks ago, I wrote in this space that those five county judge-executives should have been more transparent in their negotiation but, regardless, they had secured the EastPark data center at the right time and in the right place.
Today, I realize that I was wrong by glossing over the moral and legal responsibility that elected officials at all levels of government have to be open and honest with the voters who put them in office.
Frankly, the public outrage that followed the unexpected announcement of secret arrangements came as a surprise to me because of the potential financial benefits to local governments and other taxing jurisdictions, not to mention the temporary and permanent jobs to be created.
I also realized I had practically ignored the negative environmental impacts that could result, especially if all of the well-scripted “no harm” assurances are not honored by the owners of the Muskie Campus and Kentucky Power/AEP.
After many years of cheerleading for economic development as a journalist, a public employee, an elected city official, and a citizen volunteer serving on committees seeking new jobs, I admitted to myself that I had long ago enthusiastically embraced the “more jobs at any cost” mindset.
Two pieces of this EastPark project concern me the most: (1) the insatiable demand for more electric power for technology is why the new facility will require enough electricity to light a million homes, and (2) the possibility that another Kentucky area or one in nearby Ohio or West Virginia might hijack this project if we cannot resolve our concerns about quality of life issues tied to the deal with TeraWulf Inc.
As for the transparency questions facing those county judge-executives in the hearts and minds of their voters, I know from personal experience that they had no choice but to sign those non-disclosure agreements (NDA) to even be considered as the site of what might become the largest hyperscale data center in Kentucky.
If the trust issues can be resolved with vocal, unhappy voters and the major corporate players keep their promises, this matter perhaps could have a happier ending.
However, those of us who have worked very long in journalism and/or public relations also believe that it is generally impossible to unring a bell.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
